Prayer for the Day

by Revd Canon David White

16th November 2025 - 2nd Sunday before Advent

In a world whose web of life is intricate and beautiful,
save us, Lord, from carelessness and blindness.
In a world whose creatures are so varied and vulnerable,
save us, Lord, from plundering and cruelty.
In a world whose waters are fresh and whose oceans should cleanse,
save us, Lord, from wanton polluting.
In a world whose forests protect our air and wildlife,
save us, Lord, from the systems that drive us to destroy them.
In a world whose fruits are rich and plentiful,
save us, Lord, from waste and greed. Amen.

This month, from 10th to 21st November representatives from countries across the world are meeting in Belém, Brazil for COP 30, the 30th annual UN climate meeting. COP stands for “Conference of the Parties”, the parties being nearly 200 countries that signed up to the original climate agreement of 1992. These meetings are important and world leaders are present including the Prime Minister of the UK, the President of France and the Prince of Wales on behalf of King Charles. Nevertheless, there are also some notable absences – such as the Presidents of China and the USA. These conferences are invariably troubled by denials, arguments and controversies, but they are also important in keeping the attention of the world on the needs of the earth.

This prayer by Angela Ashwin, writer on spirituality, retreat leader and Reader, who now lives in Southwell, petitions God to help us preserve the life of this planet – our home. The responsibility for which lies with all of us and we neglect it at our peril.